Choose Your References Wisely

Posted: 16/10/2015 by
Cox Purtell

object(WP_Post)#9417 (24) {
["ID"]=>
int(6774)
["post_author"]=>
string(1) "5"
["post_date"]=>
string(19) "2015-10-16 16:02:34"
["post_date_gmt"]=>
string(19) "2015-10-16 06:02:34"
["post_content"]=>
string(3248) "Reference checking plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process.
It allows the hiring manager a final opportunity to further understand how a candidate could perform in a role, by speaking with managers who can advise from first-hand experience. Likewise, reference checking allows candidates to further cement their strength and applicable skill set through a third party showcasing their success in previous roles.
Despite how important the reference checking process is, it is often misunderstood by candidates, and therefore mishandled.
Below I’ve addressed some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the reference stage.
Who's an Ideal Referee?
A referee should be a colleague to whom you’ve directly reported, who will be able to give an overview of your role, skill set, successes and areas for improvement, etc. The strongest referees will be from your most recent positions, and positions with tenure and/or where you developed within your role, and someone with whom you have a positive relationship.
When you develop a strong relationship with a prior hiring manager and have had open communication about them being your referee, maintaining a positive relationship with them will prove to be invaluable.
I’ve stayed close with my hiring managers from previous roles over time, and they’ve never been more than a quick phone call or e-mail away when it comes to providing references.
Open & Honest Communication is Key
Open and honest communication with your referee is also important to note. If you’re providing a contact as a reference, it shows a high level of professionalism and respect to make them aware they will be contacted.
High level hiring managers are time poor, and the process will prove to be seamless and timely should they know to expect a call. It may seem obvious, but ensure that the reference provided will be a positive one, to the best of your ability.
Lack of communication, reference calls without notice, being unaware that you left on bad terms or performed poorly, are all circumstances which will end with you receiving a reference which is less glowing.
As a professional follow up, promptly thank your referee for their time and assistance.
When Will My Referee Be Contacted?
Here at Cox Purtell, we operate on the best practice of contacting references prior to placing candidates in temporary assignments, and prior to submitting candidates to permanent positons.
Surprisingly enough, candidates often believe that references are only completed at offer stage, which is simply not the case.
Obtaining a glowing reference from the start will assist in your success in navigating the market, will give you the positive edge over other candidates, and will ensure that the offer stage is reached without delay.
Every interaction with your recruiter is an opportunity to display your strength and professionalism as a candidate, and providing references should be considered one of the most important of these interactions.
Ensure to place your best foot forward with your referees, and I guarantee you will see a beneficial outcome the next time you’re looking for a role."
["post_title"]=>
string(29) "Choose Your References Wisely"
["post_excerpt"]=>
string(67) "Reference checking plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process."
["post_status"]=>
string(7) "publish"
["comment_status"]=>
string(4) "open"
["ping_status"]=>
string(6) "closed"
["post_password"]=>
string(0) ""
["post_name"]=>
string(27) "choose-your-referees-wisely"
["to_ping"]=>
string(0) ""
["pinged"]=>
string(0) ""
["post_modified"]=>
string(19) "2017-08-23 09:52:09"
["post_modified_gmt"]=>
string(19) "2017-08-22 23:52:09"
["post_content_filtered"]=>
string(0) ""
["post_parent"]=>
int(0)
["guid"]=>
string(36) "http://www.coxpurtell.com.au/?p=6774"
["menu_order"]=>
int(0)
["post_type"]=>
string(4) "post"
["post_mime_type"]=>
string(0) ""
["comment_count"]=>
string(1) "0"
["filter"]=>
string(3) "raw"
}

Reference checking plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process.

It allows the hiring manager a final opportunity to further understand how a candidate could perform in a role, by speaking with managers who can advise from first-hand experience. Likewise, reference checking allows candidates to further cement their strength and applicable skill set through a third party showcasing their success in previous roles.

Despite how important the reference checking process is, it is often misunderstood by candidates, and therefore mishandled.

Below I’ve addressed some of the most common misconceptions surrounding the reference stage.

Who’s an Ideal Referee?

A referee should be a colleague to whom you’ve directly reported, who will be able to give an overview of your role, skill set, successes and areas for improvement, etc. The strongest referees will be from your most recent positions, and positions with tenure and/or where you developed within your role, and someone with whom you have a positive relationship.

When you develop a strong relationship with a prior hiring manager and have had open communication about them being your referee, maintaining a positive relationship with them will prove to be invaluable.

I’ve stayed close with my hiring managers from previous roles over time, and they’ve never been more than a quick phone call or e-mail away when it comes to providing references.

Open & Honest Communication is Key

Open and honest communication with your referee is also important to note. If you’re providing a contact as a reference, it shows a high level of professionalism and respect to make them aware they will be contacted.

High level hiring managers are time poor, and the process will prove to be seamless and timely should they know to expect a call. It may seem obvious, but ensure that the reference provided will be a positive one, to the best of your ability.

Lack of communication, reference calls without notice, being unaware that you left on bad terms or performed poorly, are all circumstances which will end with you receiving a reference which is less glowing.

As a professional follow up, promptly thank your referee for their time and assistance.

When Will My Referee Be Contacted?

Here at Cox Purtell, we operate on the best practice of contacting references prior to placing candidates in temporary assignments, and prior to submitting candidates to permanent positons.

Surprisingly enough, candidates often believe that references are only completed at offer stage, which is simply not the case.

Obtaining a glowing reference from the start will assist in your success in navigating the market, will give you the positive edge over other candidates, and will ensure that the offer stage is reached without delay.

Every interaction with your recruiter is an opportunity to display your strength and professionalism as a candidate, and providing references should be considered one of the most important of these interactions.

Ensure to place your best foot forward with your referees, and I guarantee you will see a beneficial outcome the next time you’re looking for a role.